Weber Football: John L. Smith's goal as 'Cats' coach  win national title

By Martin Renzhofer The Salt Lake Tribune

Published: December 7, 2011 12:16 pm

College football • Former Weber player, grad assistant, returns to roots.

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Ogden • An enthusiastic John L. Smith kick-started his introduction to Weber State boosters and media with the unabashed goal of winning a national championship.

"It will take all of us," Smith, 63, said as he was introduced Tuesday morning at Stewart Stadium.

Smith, a former Weber State player, said the journey to winning a Football Championship Subdivision title "starts today."

"I've always had a place in my heart for Weber State," Smith said. "Again, to come back to run your own program as head coach again was crucial for me.

"And there's a ski hill right here."

Smith compiled a 132-86 record as a head coach at Idaho, Utah State, Louisville and Michigan State. He replaces Ron McBride, who retired at the end of his seventh season at Weber State.

The Wildcats finished 5-6 in 2011, 5-3 in the Big Sky Conference. McBride was not in attendance Tuesday.

"Coach McBride has laid a great foundation," said Smith. "He's done a lot for the program. Thank goodness we can look forward to building on that program."

Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee said integrity and knowledge of the area played a large role in hiring Smith, who leaves his position as an assistant coach at Arkansas.

Smith won't coach the Razorbacks during their Cotton Bowl appearance.

"We were looking for someone who understands the culture of our state, how to recruit here; it's a little different than everywhere else," Bovee said, adding that Smith's knowledge of the coaching and recruiting dynamics of the Big Sky Conference were also significant factors.

And, Bovee noted: "The fact that he was an alum was important to us. He wants to see the program do well."

Smith was a linebacker and quarterback at Weber State between 1968 and 1971. He was an academic All-American.

Smith's first job as head coach was at Idaho where he went 53-21 with five postseason playoff appearances. He was 16-18 in three seasons at USU, 41-21 in five seasons at Louisville and 22-26 during a four-season stay at Michigan State.

Smith will meet with staff members and before addressing recruiting.

"We're going to spout [about the national championship]," Smith said. "We're going to tell recruits about it, 'Come here if you want you be a national champion,' because that's what we're going to get done."